As the federal government and anti-gun groups get too big for their britches, states are taking a stand. The anti-Second Amendment push coming from DC is becoming a real threat to our Constitution. For that reason, Wyoming enacted the Second Amendment Protection Act to protect its citizens from unconstitutional federal anti-gun legislation.
Wyoming Enacts the Second Amendment Protection Act (SAPA)
Although it is the federal government’s job to protect the Constitution, it is instead trying to dismantle it. As we recently reported, even part of President Biden’s State of the Union Address took aim at the Second Amendment. It is a scary time when a country’s own government targets the rights of its citizens.
Fortunately, we see states taking steps to protect their citizens from a federal government not concerned with their best interests. The signing of the Second Amendment Protection Act in Wyoming is more evidence that states reject federal anti-gun legislation.
According to the Laramie Boomerang, “The bill passed during the Wyoming Legislature’s recently concluded 2022 budget session. It is designed to protect Second Amendment rights, as well as prevent federal regulation of firearms, accessories, magazines and ammunition. Sheriffs, officers, gun rights advocates and lawmakers said the legislation was needed as President Joe Biden’s administration pushes for such control.”
The bill replaces a first draft called the Second Amendment Preservation Act. Some argued the original bill would put members of law enforcement at risk of civil actions by citizens. However, others argue that the final bill would be up to local prosecuting attorneys to enforce the bill in court.
According to KGAB AM, “Supporters of the Second Amendment Preservation Act–Senate File 87– wanted private citizens to be able to take legal action against local or state agencies who violate the Second Amendment. They say they have little confidence in one governmental office reigning in another local or state agency, especially at the local level where the two agencies may have an ongoing working relationship.”
The Second Amendment Protection Act
In short, the bill prohibits public officers from enforcing, administering, or cooperating with an unconstitutional act of any kind. In addition, it sets one of the harshest punishments for a violation in the nation. Specifically, anyone who violates the act is guilty of a misdemeanor. As a result, it’s punishable by imprisonment for up to a year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
“(a) This state and all political subdivisions of this state are prohibited from using any personnel or funds appropriated by the legislature of the state of Wyoming or any other source of funds that originated within the state of Wyoming to enforce, administer or cooperate with any unconstitutional act, law, treaty, executive order, rule or regulation of the United States government that infringes on or impedes the free exercise of individual rights guaranteed under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”
The act does not limit or restrict an officer from providing assistance to federal authorities. Likewise, it does not prevent them from accepting federal funds for law enforcement purposes. As a result, the act is the culmination of efforts from law enforcement, gun owners, the Shooting Sports Foundation, and Second Amendment supporters.
Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Executive Board President and Rock Springs Police Chief Dwane Pacheco told the Laramie Boomerang, “We stand strong together to hold ourselves and our officers accountable to not enforce, administer or cooperate with any unconstitutional acts. This is one of the most important legislative actions on a personal and professional level that I have seen in my career.”
As the federal government pushes to do away with our constitutional rights, states have to push back. It is the only way a constitutional republic can survive.
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